Humans and hippos are learning to live together in the DRC
May 9, 2022, 7:43 am

Humans and hippos are learning to live together in the DRC

The hippopotamus also called the hippo is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa (Photo: Pixabay)

The Africanews reported, in the banks of the Ruzizi River that divides the Democratic Republic of Congo from Burundi, cohabitation between hippopotamus and villagers remains conflictual. Since 2019, at least seven people were killed, six injured by hippos, with hectares of fields laid waste.

Environmental activists have multiplied their calls to establish protection mechanisms for hippos, while locals are calling on the government to repair the damages caused by the giant semi-aquatic mammals.

40-year-old Neema Byamungu Jacqueline, is the mother of eight children, whose 16-year-old son was killed by a hippopotamus in 2017.

"The hippos and I are enemies because they took away my son when he was 16. He was a very smart boy and represented the hope of the whole family.

https://www.africanews.com/2022/05/05/humans-and-hippos-learning-to-live-together-in-the-drc/

My son was really smart, he was studying and was already in grade two. I was willing to sell my house to finance his studies, but the hippos killed him."

Kwinanika Lwajonga Jean-Pierre, who sustained a head injury after being attacked by a hippopotamus in 2020.

African scientists say green future in the continent at stake amid deforestation

"I was in the field when a hippopotamus attacked me. I defended myself with my machete but he hurt my skull, right here and I bled a lot. I was sure it was the end for me, that I was going to die right away, but I barely escaped, thanks to God."

Michael Mibanda, member of the local committee for hippopotamus protection, on the other hand has hope in the mammals.

"We would like for the government to see how it could preserve first, then protect and also assess how these animals could not be a danger for the population, because they are useful to us, the local population, though they have been aggressive towards us up until now, we could benefit from these animals."

Football can provide solution to youth unemployment in Africa

Katogota village, in the Ruzizi plain and home to some 14,000 inhabitants, at the border with Burundi.

The challenge is that people have encroached on the sides of the river in areas where the giant animals habitually forage for food. Officially it is illegal to occupy a 100-metre strip of land along the river banks, but the law is ignored.

Source: africanews

Ukraine's mine sniffing dog Patron awarded medal by President Zelensky Fires kill at least 8 people in Siberia as high winds hamper rescue

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.